NASCAR to launch electric racing series in 2023: leaked documents

NASCAR has not hidden its intention to electrify stock car racing in the coming years, but it could happen sooner than expected.

Documents discovered by the Kickin’ the Tires website reveal possible plans to launch an electric-assist series next year.

According to the report, NASCAR will showcase a prototype electric race car at the Clash at the pre-season event at LA Coliseum in February, then follow it up with a six-race run “aligned with the Cup Series” weekends.

The cars will be modified Cup series cars with all-electric, four-wheel drive powertrains delivering nearly 1,000 horsepower, compared to the 670 horsepower V8s used in the conventional vehicles.

The performance goal is for the EVs to be able to round a circuit as fast as a Cup series car, and efforts are being made to add entertaining sound to the otherwise near-silent electric drive.

Only 12 cars would participate in the races, which would be split into two 30-minute events on Saturday and Sunday with no pit stops or charging.

NASCAR and the manufacturers are also considering using SUV-style bodies to differentiate the series, the documents said:.

NASCAR has not confirmed the details of the report, but has issued the following statement to Fox News Autos:

“As we have mentioned in the past, we are exploring the possibilities for an EV demonstration series. We are currently working with our OEM [original equipment manufacturer] partners and race teams as the program progresses.”

In addition to the option of electric versions, the Next Gen Cup Series cars launched this year were designed with a transaxle-type gearbox with provisions to add an electric motor in a hybrid configuration, and NASCAR has said a such a car is being considered.

It would probably only be used for part of the season on road courses and shorter ovals where regenerative brakes can recharge the batteries between acceleration events, which is not possible on the high speed ovals where the brakes are not used much if at all.

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